I'm sorry to read that your mother is under the weather. Hopefully the medication and "rest" will help her and she'll be home soon.

BTW, your mother at 88 isn't old. She's still got some living to do. It sounds like she might be a little bit depressed w/her current situation. Does she have any particular interests, i.e., reading, or doing puzzles, gardening, etc.?

It's difficult for the seniors in our society because everyone thinks that once you hit a certain age, you should sit in a corner and just stay there. It's not the case because there are many would live to be in their mid 90s, as well as older and still have productive lives, but it's done in their time, their way.

Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to.
The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.